Olivia wants the 80 acres in far off Michigan that her father’s will left to whichever of his offspring claims the land. As Olivia says, “I’m sprung off him just as much as Avis or Tobey.”
The problem: she’s 17, female, and it’s 1841.
Mourning Free, Olivia’s trusted childhood friend, knows how to run a farm and is also sorely in need of a new start in life.
The problem: though born in a free … though born in a free state, he’s the orphaned son of runaway slaves and the slave catchers who patrol the north hunting fugitives are not particular about who they take back south with them.
Not without qualms, they set off together. All goes well, despite the drudgery of survival in an isolated log cabin. Incapable of acknowledging her feelings for Mourning, Olivia thinks her biggest problem is her unrequited romantic interest in their young neighbor.
Until her world falls apart.
Strong-willed, vulnerable, and compassionate, Olivia is a compelling protagonist on a journey to find a way to do the right thing in a world in which so much is wrong.
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WONDERFULLY entertaining period novel!
Olivia, a white woman aged eighteen, convinces Mourning Free, a black man aged twenty, to travel with her to Michigan to claim a farm left to her by her Uncle Suggs. Olivia has $600 left to her by her uncle to help them get started with seed, stock, repairs, and living expenses. Although Olivia and Mourning are on the farm just a bit over two …
Really enjoyed the book wanted to read the follow up books. Very disappointed that you carried none of the next two
The strength and grit of the characters compelled me to read the complete series. I was inspired by the people who came together,sacrificing their safety to right a terrible wrong, numerous times throughout the storyline.
Waiting for book 2
I read Yael Pollitis first three books about Olivia and Mourning. Wonderful story teller.
I loved this story. The characters were well developed and realistic. Unpredictable and original. Want to read next Olivia story.
‘I would probably have given this book 5 stars if I could have read the whole story in one book. When a author tries to make you come back for more by not finishing the the story in the first place he or she takes a chance on the reader either being so caught up in the story that they can wait to finish it or the reader gets discouraged by the …
Enjoyed this book and want to continue the series.
I read the entire series, and the story is weaved within all 3 books. This is the first book in the series, and sets it up nicely, however, you really don ‘t get an answer to the questions about Mourning Free until the end of the series, so you must commit to reading all 3 books to get the complete picture. I did enjoy it, and would read more if …
I hate the “leave me hanging” ending but am entranced by Olivia and Mourning and where they go from here.
I did not want this book to end until it all ended happily-ever-after. It did not! And I feel a sequel is in order if not already done. It is a story of bravery and courage, love and evil and the power of sheer humanity. I thoroughly enjoyed it b
Loved the whole series
Unfortunately had to buy the next book to have a sense of completion on the story, but was very enthralled while reading.
Read all 5 in the series and was sorry to hear there would be no more but totally understood the author’s reason for ending the series. Loved loved loved these books.
One of the best series I have read! Excellent!
What a great story – starts out in one place and takes you to so many places. Once I finished it I immediately bought the next two books in the series. it
Liked it and found myself thinking about it when I was not reading it-always a good sign of an entertaining and attention grabbing tome. Probably not very realistic,but the author weaves the story to make it seem as if it could be so. Some interesting settings of yesteryear including small towns, log cabins and steamboats.
I’ve read all three of the books.
What is an independent 18yr old girl to do when her only prospect is to get married or live as a dependant at the mercy of her older brother? Olivia has quite a misadventure when she does not conform to the social standard.